Kids Crafts - Message Center

(This kids crafts project is suitable for children ages 12 and up to do on their own.)

To adjust the project for younger children, use a pre-made chalkboard or dry erase board to make the project.

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This kids craft creates a message board your child can put in his or her room or even hang on their bedroom door.

It includes areas to write messages, tack them on the board like a bulletin board, or clip them onto the board.

This particular child craft uses a special paint that creates a chalkboard surface. While you can buy a chalkboard or whiteboard to reduce the time and difficulty of the kid's craft project, I've found that making their very own chalkboard fascinates children.

What you'll need to do this kids craft:

8" x 10" piece of smooth wood
2 pieces of wood for trim: 1 ½" wide by 10" long - craft or hobby wood works well
2 pieces of wood for trim: 1 ½" wide by 5" long paint
3 or 4 corks
2 hinged clothespins
Glue
Chalk
Small wooden flowerpot
Chalkboard paint - This paint can be purchased at hardware stores or stores that sell kids craft supplies.

Instructions:

Sand your 8" x 10" piece of wood to get it as smooth as possible. The smoother the board, the better the chalk adheres and erases when the project is complete.
Paint one side of the piece of wood with the chalkboard paint for this kids craft. Let it dry completely.
Check the instructions on the paint to see if it requires a second coat.
Paint each of the trim pieces on all except the backside. Once these are dry, glue them onto the front of the chalkboard to create a frame.
Paint the clothespins. These may be easier to paint if you take them apart. Test one first to see how easily it goes back together. If it is very difficult to reassemble, it's probably best to paint each clothespin as one piece.
Don't worry if you get paint into the hinges. This will dry and crack off without any effect to the hinge.
Glue the clothespins to the side trim pieces. You can glue them both in the same direction, or glue one with the clamp facing up and the other with the clamp facing down.
Glue the corks in a row on the bottom trim piece. You may have to hold each of these on for a minute or two while the glue dries. These are easier to glue on if you cut them in half lengthwise, but depending on how dense the cork is this may be difficult to do.
Paint the small wooden flowerpot. Glue it onto the bottom corner of the chalkboard trim. This is to hold the chalk. If you can't find one of these, you can use string to tie a piece of chalk to your kids craft message center.

I hope this kids craft project has been helpful.

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